Apply

Applying to our Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Ministry, or Master of Arts (Theological Studies) programs is straightforward:

A bachelor’s degree from any accredited college or university, no matter your field of study. Aim for a GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale – that’s it!

1. Download and complete the application form.
2. Share a brief autobiographical statement (800-1,000 words)
3. Send official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions
4. Get references from three people using the recommendation form.
5. TOEFL or IELTS scores for international applicants.

The application deadlines are as follows:

• January 15: Deadline for international students and advanced studies students
• February 7: Priority deadline for ELCA’s Fund for Leader’s scholarship
• April 2: Application deadline for students within the US
• April 16: Financial aid scholarship decisions

Financial Aid: We provide financial support based on merit and need. Please fill out the FAFSA form at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa.

Ready to start your journey? We’re here to guide you every step of the way!

• You need an MDiv degree (or equivalent) from an accredited institution.
• A concise essay (up to two pages, single-spaced).
• References (two or three, depending on your program). Please complete using this form.
• A writing sample (max twenty pages).
• Official transcripts from postsecondary institutions.
• GRE scores for applicants from the US and Canada.
• TOEFL or IELTS scores for international applicants.
• Complete the Advanced Studies Application Form.

Remember these dates:

• January 15: Application deadline for all students the following academic year. Make sure LSTC receives all items by this date.
• A one-time application fee of $50 is required for all advanced studies applicants. It can be paid via bank draft, postal money order, or personal check from a U.S. bank. Payable to LSTC.
• Financial aid is merit-based. There are limited scholarships and fellowships for PhD students.

The ELCA’s International Leaders Program offers a limited number of scholarship opportunities to international applicants who come from churches/institutions that are in relationship with the ELCA. Applications to this program are normally due in mid-October for funding in the following academic year. Applicants to this program must be endorsed by the leadership of their home church body/institution. For more information, contact Kaleb Sutherland and Ann Hightower.

Interschool/Ecumenical Doctor of Ministry

This degree is jointly offered by Catholic Theological Union, the Lutheran School of Theology and McCormick Theological Seminary. The joint resources of the respective faculties and libraries, as well as those of the other ten theological schools that comprise ACTS (the Association of Chicago Theological Schools) constitute one of its strengths. This ecumenical perspective enriches and distinguishes the degree.  

Full time students may finish their course work and the preparation of the thesis-project proposal in one full academic year. The writing and approval of the thesis-project requires approximately another full academic year. Part time students may spread their course work over two to three years, including the preparation of their thesis-project proposal. All students may have up to five years from the time they officially entered the program to finish writing their thesis-project. The entire program can be completed in two full academic years, or can be spread over multiple years.

Please note that, like many LSTC degree programs, the DMin can be completed entirely through distance learning.  

LSTC and CTU are now using their academic reciprocity to provide students with the Interschool/Ecumenical DMin.

Application Deadline for US students is July 15th.

Join LSTC as a non-degree seeking Lutheran Year student!

Application Process:

• For all other affiliate and Lutheran Year applicants, fill out the application for MDiv, MAM, and MA degrees.

• Guided Path:
  • As a degree-seeking Lutheran Year student, you’ll work closely with your advisor who will help you navigate requirements and create a timeline for your degree.
• Please contact the admissions office directly for the affiliation fee.

If you’re interested in attending LSTC as an exchange student, a TEEM student, auditing a course, or taking a course à la carte, we’d love to have you as a special student! Apply above for these non-degree seeking opportunities.